Posted on June 26, 2012

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Caring Community Project Attorney (Part-Time)

Description: Bet Tzedek is currently searching for a part-time, time-limited Attorney (Attorney I) to work exclusively with its Caring Community Legal Project. The primary focus of this new position is to provide legal assistance and referrals to the Jewish community. Working under the supervision of the Directing Attorney, this position will design and implement a pilot community project, facilitate pro bono legal clinics, conduct presentations, and provide general outreach and education regarding a wide range of legal services included in our practice areas.

Salary: This is a part-time, two day a week, time-limited union position. Attorney I: $50,625/year, adjusted for two days a week.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Bet Tzedek Legal Services hires staff without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or disability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work with Directing Attorney to design and implement project framework.
• Establish relationships with community partners.
• Facilitate and conduct Pro Bono legal clinics onsite at select senior centers and other organizations.
• Provide presentations and general outreach.
• Conduct intake interviews to assess the needs of individuals and/or their families; participate in weekly case reviews, make recommendations regarding representation and follow-up in civil and administrative law matters.
• Represent clients in judicial, administrative and non-adversarial proceedings.
• Administrative case management, which includes, but is not limited to timely case opening, accurate case coding, timely and accurate entry of case time, and all other administrative duties as required by Bet Tzedek’s process.
• Perform other assignments and work on projects as needed or assigned and as consistent with the classification.

General Qualifications:

• Attorney I – Minimum of one year litigation experience; be an active member of the State Bar of California for a minimum of one year.
• Experience in project design and implementation preferred
• Experience working with volunteers preferred
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment and work closely with staff attorneys
• Entrepreneurial, creative problem-solver
• Strong writing and organizational skills
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients in a kind, appropriate manner

Language Skills:

• Farsi language skills preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to read, analyze and interpret general legal/business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Demonstrated ability to write reports, business correspondence and other legal materials as required by position, and to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, managers and the general public.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet and internet research; Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), WordPerfect, and legal database software (Prime, Lexis Automated Legal Forms/HotDocs).

Personal Skills:

In addition to the above, to be successful at this position, an individual should demonstrate an understanding and a personal expression of, and a commitment to, our organizational core values (see below), as well as have an understanding and enjoyment of working in a team-oriented environment:

• Leadership – Seeks to lead through excellence in work product, and in relationships with colleagues and others; strives for open communication with all and seeks to show leadership through collaboration;
• Community – Deep understanding that integrity and respect are the only ways to truly reach people; continually explores ways to unite colleagues in the pursuit of social justice;
• Innovation – Demonstrates courage in action by being honest and open no matter what the topic; shows creativity of thought and is curious about new and challenging ways to further our mission.

Bet Tzedek is one of the nation’s premier poverty law centers. Each year we help thousands of low-income Angelenos of every racial and religious background achieve equal access to justice. Bet Tzedek has created and continues to refine unique programs that address the major problems confronting the more than two million Angelenos disenfranchised by poverty. With a staff of 65 and more than 1,000 volunteers, Bet Tzedek combines direct representation with outreach, education, and advocacy to secure the basic necessities of life, including employment, housing, healthcare, and public benefits.

Application Instructions

Email cover letter, resume, writing sample, and employment application to resume@bettzedek.org. To download an employment application, visit our website at www.bettzedek.org.